MCA: Sabah corruption scandal shows need for system overhaul

PETALING JAYA: The Sabah Water Department scandal shows that the Government’s check and balance system has failed and needs to be overhauled, said MCA religious harmony bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

In a statement on Sunday, he called for earlier detection of graft practices through an overhaul of the system as the alleged corruption was not detected previously.

“Where is the check and balance? If there are measures to prevent such corruption but no red flags were raised, then we must ask why,” said the MCA central committee member.

Ti said the matter was a serious wake up call to all, especially the Government, and called for a thorough study to overhaul the system.

It was recently reported that as much as 60% of a RM3.3bil federal government allocation had been siphoned off.

“The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should look into the possibility that such corrupt practices may have occurred at other departments and agencies,” he added.

As such scandals affect the credibility of all Government departments and agencies, Ti called on the Government to engage independent experts and other stakeholders to develop better and a more transparent check and balance mechanism.

“Nevertheless with the seizure of cash, land titles and luxury goods and vehicles, government credibility will be further recovered once charges are slapped on the suspects,” he said.

He also hoped MACC would liaise with their foreign counterparts to recover any illegally-gained funds reportedly stashed overseas by the suspects.

The MACC had indicated that seized monies and assets would be returned to government coffers through court proceedings to benefit the rakyat.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had arrested Sabah Water Department director Ag Tahir Ag Talib, 54, and his deputy Teo Chee Kong, 52, and seized over RM115mil, including some RM57mil in cash, from their houses and office.

Two others, including Teo’s older brother – a 55-year-old businessman – and his accountant - have been arrested since Tuesday for investigations into what is possibly the country’s biggest abuse of power, bribery and money laundering case.